Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (2024)

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By

Elaine Lemm

Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (1)

Elaine Lemm

Elaine Lemm is a renowned British food writer, classically trained chef, teacher, and author with over 25 years of experience writing about British food and cooking.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 02/22/24

Tested by

Diana Rattray

Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (2)

Tested byDiana Rattray

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Soak Time: 12 hrs

Total: 12 hrs 40 mins

Servings: 4to 6 servings

Yield: 2 cups

206 ratings

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Love them or hate them, traditional mushy peas go with British food favorites like peanut butter goes with jelly. Usually served alongside pub fare such as fish and chips or hot meat pies, mushy peas occupy the space typically reserved for coleslaw on a lunch plate in American restaurants.In Ireland, they're often served alongside roast leg of lamb. Impostor mushy peas recipes use frozen and even fresh peas, but they do not come even close to the real thing. That being said, marrowfat peas are not exactly a grocery store staple in the U.S., but you can get them at specialty stores, online and, of course, British supermarkets.

For real traditional mushy peas, you must soak dried marrowfat peas overnight (at least 8 hours unless they are labeled "no soak"), then cook them low and slow. Marrowfat peas are mature standard green peas that are allowed to dry in the fields. They are different from young garden peas because they contain a high proportion of starch, giving them their signature texture. Baking soda added to the simmering peas causes them to explode and create the desired mush. Some dislike the result, but fans insist that the soft, melting texture of the peas tastes lovely when eaten with freshly cooked hot chips or a meat pie straight from the oven, preferably with a delicious drizzle of mint sauce on top.

Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (3)

What You'll Need to Make This Mushy Peas Recipe

A Nice Heavy Dutch Oven
A Good Colander
A Handy Dandy Immersion Blender

"They’re very good! I made the marrowfat peas (bought online) as directed. I added salt and pepper, a teaspoon of sugar, and butter. The peas look a little drab in color at first but are bright vivid green once cooked. I also tried them with a little cream—they were rich and delicious both ways." —Diana Rattray

Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (7)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces/225 grams dried marrowfat peas (available in British supermarkets, specialty stores, and online)

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 2 cups boiling water

  • Salt, to taste

  • Pepper, to taste

  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, optional

  • 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, optional

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or to taste, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (8)

  2. Place the peas in a large bowl or stockpot; they need plenty of room to expand. Add the baking soda and cover with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (9)

  3. Let the peas soak for a minimum of 12 hours.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (10)

  4. Drain and rinse the peas well in a colander, then transfer them to a large pot.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (11)

  5. Cover the peas with cold water (about 2 cups) and bring them to a boil.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (12)

  6. Lower the heat and simmer the peas uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until they soften and turn mushy.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (13)

  7. Season the peas with salt and pepper to taste. Add the optional sugar if you prefer them slightly sweeter, heavy cream or milk to give them a fluffier texture, or butter for flavor. You can also smash them with a fork for a smoother texture, or run them through the food processor if you prefer a puree.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (14)

  8. Serve the mushy peas hot with fish and chips or a tasty meat pie. Enjoy.

    Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (15)

Recipe Variation

  • If you cannot find marrowfat peas, substitute frozen baby peas. Skip the soaking and proceed directly to the stovetop boil. Cook the peas according to the package directions, then mash them to achieve the classic mushy peas texture. Add salt and pepper and optional flavorings as desired.
  • Though not traditional, a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor of mushy peas. You can also add chopped fresh herbs to taste. Add about 1/4 cup of fresh, coarsely chopped mint to the cooked mushy peas, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

How to Store and Freeze Mushy Peas

Cooked mushy peas keep well covered for a few days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them in an airtight container or plastic freezer bags. Make a large batch and portion them into individual servings for freezing.

What's the Difference Between Marrowfat Peas and Fresh Garden Peas?

Fresh garden peas are harvested when young. Marrowfat peas are mature garden peas that have been allowed to dry naturally in the field before harvesting. It's what gives them their starchy texture—and ability to get mushy.

Helpful Links

  • Freezing Food and Freezer Food Safety
  • This Year's Best Specialty Food Stores
  • Britain's Top 10 Favorite Foods and Drinks

Classic British Fish and Chips

  • British Sides
  • Vegetable Sides
  • British Food
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
45Calories
1g Fat
7g Carbs
3g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4to 6
Amount per serving
Calories45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g1%
Saturated Fat 0g2%
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 674mg29%
Total Carbohydrate 7g3%
Dietary Fiber 3g10%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg1%
Calcium 9mg1%
Iron 0mg3%
Potassium 122mg3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

  • peas
  • side dish
  • british
  • family dinner

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Love 'Em or Hate 'Em, Here's the Best Mushy Peas Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Jamie Oliver mushy peas? ›

Meanwhile, for mushy peas, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add fresh peas and tarragon, and cook, covered, for 10 minutes (3 minutes for frozen) or until soft. Add lemon juice and season. Mash until mushy.

Why put sugar in mushy peas? ›

Add the optional sugar if you prefer them slightly sweeter, heavy cream or milk to give them a fluffier texture, or butter for flavor. You can also smash them with a fork for a smoother texture, or run them through the food processor if you prefer a puree.

What makes mushy peas mushy? ›

Mushy peas are dried marrowfat peas which are first soaked overnight in water with baking soda, and then rinsed in fresh water, after which the peas are gathered in a saucepan, covered with water, and brought to a boil, and then simmered until the peas are softened. The mush is seasoned with salt and pepper.

What is the real name for mushy peas? ›

Mushy peas, also known as 'Yorkshire caviar', are dried marrow fat peas, mature green peas that are allowed to dry out naturally in the field. In Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and parts of Lincolnshire, mushy peas are often served as a snack on their own.

Why do you put bicarbonate of soda in mushy peas? ›

A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda can be added to the peas whilst soaking or cooking (to speed up the softening process), but you can still achieve that perfect creamy texture with nothing but water - unless your water is especially hard.

Are mushy peas a laxative? ›

Raw Peas are also used as an appetizer which helps provide relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also helps manage the level of blood sugar due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties and thus reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

What are the side effects of mushy peas? ›

They may cause bloating

Additionally, the lectins in green peas are associated with bloating and other digestive symptoms. Although lectins aren't present in high amounts, they may cause problems for some people, especially when they are a major part of the diet ( 47 , 49 ).

How do you make canned mushy peas better? ›

Add basic seasonings to the peas. Salt and pepper work well, but oregano, garlic powder, chili powder or a variety of different popcorn seasons can help hide the taste of the peas as well. Drain, add a bit of mayonnaise, and call it a salad. You can add some herbs to it too.

Why do British people eat mushy peas? ›

Mushy peas is a quintessential British dish of marrowfat peas that are simmered until they fall apart, literally into a mush. They are a traditional accompaniment to British fish and chips.

Do Southerners eat mushy peas? ›

Cheese occasionally. Cheesy chips are a fantastic (but highly calorific) invention. Mushy Peas from time to time. Southerners tend not to do the Gravy thing that some people do in the north.

Can you buy mushy peas in America? ›

Amazon.com : Batchelors Mushy Peas, 10.6-Ounce Cans (Pack of 8) : Peas Produce : Grocery & Gourmet Food.

Are mushy peas healthy? ›

Mushy peas on the side will add healthy fibre to your meal and reduce the fat content overall.

What do you serve with mushy peas? ›

I hope that sounds very cultured because I like to make these alongside frozen fish sticks and French fries. Very cultured, indeed. This recipe for mushy peas goes great with fried fish and chips, or it can be served alongside many other main dishes when you need something simple (and green) to brighten up your meal.

How to cook lockwoods mushy peas? ›

Hob From Frozen

Place in a saucepan and cover with water 568ml (1 pint) to 454g (1 lb) of peas bring to the boil and cook for 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally. Add salt if required but remember Government Guidelines recommended that adults should consume less than 6g of salt a day.

What makes mushy peas so green? ›

The colour of processed peas is usually achieved by a combination of two artificial colours, E102 and E133. E102 (tartrazine) is a synthetic azo dye made from industrial waste.

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